About the Senate Democratic Steering & Outreach Committee

The Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee is dedicated to fostering dialogue between Senate Democrats and leaders from across the nation. Each year, the Steering Committee hosts numerous meetings with advocates, policy experts, and elected officials to discuss key priorities and enlist their help in the development of the Senate Democratic agenda. The Committee serves as a liaison between Senate Democratic offices, advocacy groups, and intergovernmental organizations. It is one of two Democratic Leadership Committees in the Senate and is chaired by Senator Amy Klobuchar (MN) and vice chaired by Senator Jeanne Shaheen (NH).

SENATE DEMOCRATS HOST A ROUNDTABLE ON MAKING GOVERNMENT WORK BETTER

Washington, DC – In a meeting about restoring trust in government, Senate Democrats discussed campaign finance and lobbying reforms to make government more responsive to the needs of the American people. Legislation discussed included bills to reform the Federal Election Commission and overturn Citizens United – to rein in “dark money” election spending and require…

SENATE DEMOCRATS HOST MEETING IN RECOGNITION OF OLDER AMERICANS MONTH

Washington, DC – In a meeting with the heads of seniors’ advocacy groups, Senate Democrats underscored the need to strengthen and protect Social Security and Medicare and ensure a strong safety net for older Americans. There are 45 million seniors in the United States, and that number will double in the coming decades, according to…

SENATE DEMOCRATS HOST A ROUNDTABLE WITH LEADERS IN THE AMERICAN MUSLIM COMMUNITY

Washington, DC – In a discussion led by Senator Amy Klobuchar, Chair of the Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee, and Senator Debbie Stabenow, Vice Chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Center, Senate Democrats met with the leaders of the American Muslim Community about the bullying and harassment of Muslims in the United States. Much…

SENATE DEMOCRATS HOST A ROUNDTABLE WITH TECHNOLOGY LEADERS

Washington, DC – Senate Democrats met with the senior executives of companies in the innovation economy about creating jobs, growing the economy, and making America globally competitive. Senate Democrats advocated an agenda that includes bolstering exports, tax and immigration reforms, cyber security, and strengthening the patent system.

SENATE DEMOCRATS HOST A ROUNDTABLE ON AIRPORT SECURITY

Washington, DC – Senate Democrats met with the heads of U.S. airports to discuss airport security and efficiency issues – discussing safety concerns and unnecessary travel delays as passengers and airports try to manage extended wait times in unsecure areas. Senate Democrats are seeking to bolster enrollment in trusted traveler programs like Transportation Security Administration…

SENATE DEMOCRATS HOST A ROUNDTABLE ON OCEANS AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Washington, DC – In a discussion led by Senator Amy Klobuchar, Chair of the Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee, and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Chair of the Senate Oceans Caucus and Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Task Force on Climate Change, Senate Democrats met with oceanographers about research and exploration and the economic cost of climate change.…

SENATE DEMOCRATS HOST A ROUNDTABLE ON IMMIGRATION

Washington, DC – In a meeting with immigration reform advocates about the need for relief from deportation for children and parents of U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents, Senate Democrats discussed legal challenges to the President’s deferred action programs and the vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court. In the last Congress, Senate Democrats passed a…

SENATE DEMOCRATS DISCUSS SUPREME COURT VACANCY WITH STATE AND LOCAL OFFICIALS

Streamed Live on April 6, 2016 Washington, DC – Senate Democrats hosted a roundtable discussion with state and local officials about the legal significance of a fully functioning Supreme Court. The legal practitioners talked about the challenges of having an evenly divided court that is unable to decide issues and provide guidance to state and…

SENATE DEMOCRATS HOST A ROUNDTABLE WITH LABOR UNIONS

Washington, DC – Senate Democrats met with labor leaders about strengthening the middle-class economy for working Americans. Senate Democrats emphasized their efforts to fund infrastructure, increase the minimum wage and expand overtime pay, while protecting health and pension benefits promised to workers and their families.  Workers’ rights to collectively bargain for better wages and benefits…